Whether you are searching for the best things to do in Queensland on a budget or are just looking for some of the best Queensland attractions to check out on your upcoming campervan trip – Queensland’s natural swimming holes should absolutely be on your list! To help, we have put together this guide to the best natural swimming holes in Queensland. Let’s dive in!
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
The best swimming holes in Queensland
Queensland, Australia, is home to some of the most beautiful swimming holes in Australia. These natural oases offer a refreshing escape from the Queensland heat and are a perfect addition to a campervan road trip itinerary. From the tropical north to the lush hinterland and rugged Queensland bushland, here are eight of the best swimming holes in Queensland that are a must-do on a QLD campervan trip.
Babinda Boulders
Babinda Boulders is a picturesque swimming hole located in the small town of Babinda, just south of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. The swimming hole is formed by a series of large granite boulders, which create a natural water park with crystal-clear water flowing over smooth rocks and small waterfalls. The area is surrounded by rainforests, which provide a cool and shady spot to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Babinda Boulders is not only a great spot for swimming and cooling off on a hot day but it's also steeped in Aboriginal history and surrounded by great walking trails. The Babinda information centre is the perfect place to stop by if you are curious to learn more about the area's cultural significance. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a walk, the Devil's Pool Walk is a great starting point. This path takes visitors on a leisurely 1.3km circuit through the rainforest and past several waterfalls and swimming holes. The walking trails provide a great opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty with plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery along the way. With facilities like picnic tables, barbeque facilities, restrooms and changing areas, this is the perfect spot to be able to park up and spend the day.
If you are looking for a place to stay for the night, be sure to check out Cairns Coconut Holiday and Caravan Park. This park is a short 7-minute drive from Cairns’ CBD and the perfect tropical oasis to base yourself for the night. There are also plenty of facilities on-site, including:
Laundry
Swimming pool
Dump point
Camp kitchen
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin Rock Pools is a hidden gem tucked away in the Currumbin Valley on the Gold Coast. This secluded natural swimming hole is located just a short 15-minute drive from the coast and offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. The swimming hole itself is formed by a series of small falls and rock pools, which are fed by the cool, clear waters of Currumbin Creek.
What makes Currumbin Rock Pools special is the stunning landscape that surrounds it. The swimming hole is nestled among towering eucalyptus trees and lush greenery, which creates a tranquil atmosphere and provides plenty of shade to relax in. This is the perfect place to go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the rocks, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery. With picnic tables and barbeque facilities, it is perfect for a road trip stop. There are also several walking tracks in the area, including the Currumbin Creek Bushwalk, which will take you on a scenic loop through the rainforest.
Treasure Island Holiday Park is a great place to set up camp on the coast when exploring this natural gem. It has plenty of great facilities on-site to keep you entertained, including:
A restaurant
Swimming pools
Go-kart hire
Mini golf
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is located in the Twin Falls Circuit, a popular walking track nestled within Springbrook National Park. This track takes you on a scenic journey through the rainforest and the falls themselves. The walk to the falls winds through a variety of different landscapes, from lush rainforest to dry eucalyptus forest, giving a great snapshot into the bio-diversity of this region. Along the way, you can spot a variety of flora and fauna, including the rare and endangered species such as Albert's lyrebird and the giant barred frog. The Twin Falls Circuit is a relatively easy walk, suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels and provides toilets, picnic tables, and barbeque facilities for visitors to use at their own leisure.
Looking for a place to set up camp for the night? Advancetown Caravan Park is the perfect base to explore Springbrook National Park. Both the powered and unpowered sites are tucked into the quiet hinterland bush with access to plenty of great facilities, including:
Barbecue areas
Amenity blocks
Laundry
Dump point
Swimming pool
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Cedar Creek Falls
Hidden on Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland, Cedar Creek Falls is a swimming hole guaranteed to hit the spot on a warm day. Its crisp waters and surrounding bushland offer an immersive experience just outside the Gold Coast centre. The falls themselves drop 15 meters into a deep rock pool that opens up into the perfect natural swimming hole. In addition to swimming, Cedar Creek Falls offers a range of activities. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of walking tracks nearby that showcase the beauty of the surrounding Tamborine National Park, as well as other paid activities like the TreeTop Challenge or the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which are just down the road. Facilities at Cedar Creek Falls include picnic tables and barbecue areas, as well as public toilets on site.
After a day spent in the Tamborine National Park, Thunderbird Parks offers a retreat to park your campervan under the towering canopy at the base of Tamborine Mountain. Regardless of whether you choose to park at one of their powered or unpowered bush camping sites, you will have access to a host of great amenities, including:
A modern amenity block
Communal camp kitchen
Two large rockpools filled by Cedar Creek
Top tip: It is good to note that access to the falls may be restricted during periods of heavy rain due to safety concerns.
Cougal Cascades
Nestled in the Currumbin Valley, Cougal Cascades is a secluded swimming hole perfect for those seeking a peaceful day out in nature. The cascades feature a range of different rock pools and are a perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and exploring. Here you can treat yourself to a leisurely hike through the dense rainforest which also offers visitors the chance to spot local wildlife, including koalas and wallabies.
If you're looking for a park up in this scenic spot on your Queensland road trip, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is a great place to turn in for the evening. In addition to all the features you would expect from a modern caravan park, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is located directly opposite the beach giving guests red-carpet access. The facilities on-site include:
Laundry
Camp kitchen
Kiosk
BBQ
Dump point
Patrolled beach nearby
Kondalilla Falls
Located in the stunning Kondalilla National Park, Kondalilla Falls is one of the Sunshine Coast's most popular waterfalls. The name Kondalilla, meaning "rushing waters," is of Aboriginal origin and perfectly describes the beauty and power of this stunning natural attraction. The falls consist of multiple falls that drop more than 80 meters into a swimming hole below. In addition to swimming, you can hike the Kondalilla Falls circuit. This is a 4.8 km walking trail that offers spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest. Along the way, there are opportunities to spot wildlife, including birds, frogs, and lizards. The walk can be challenging at times, with some steep sections and stairs, but the swimming hole at the base of the falls offers a perfect spot to cool off after the hike. Picnic tables and barbeques are also available in the park, making it an ideal location for a day trip, a weekend getaway or a stop along an Australian road trip.
Regardless of how long you’re visiting, Lillyponds Holiday Park offers some great powered and unpowered sites to park up for the night as well as some great campervan facilities and easy access to local restaurants in Mapleton.
Finch Hatton Gorge
Located in the Mackay region, Finch Hatton Gorge is a true hidden gem of Queensland. With its towering cliffs, lush rainforest, and crystal-clear streams, the gorge offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Araluen waterfall is definitely a must-see attraction in the gorge and is a local haven in summer. The walking track to the Araluen waterfall is well-maintained and takes you through dense rainforests, over bubbling creeks and past towering trees. The walk takes about an hour and is considered moderately difficult.
Finch Hatton Gorge also hosts several picnic areas and campgrounds, while the nearby Broken River offers visitors the chance to go canoeing, fishing or birdwatching. The Finch Hatton Gorge area is also known for being home to a wide variety of wildlife, including platypuses and turtles - so keep your eyes peeled! If you have time while in Finch Hatton Gorge, definitely check out the Sky Window in Eungella, a natural rock formation that provides stunning views of the surrounding valley.
If you’re looking for a few more amenities than the local Finch Hatton Gorge campground has to offer, then Big4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park is a great option to park your motorhome. With countless modern amenities, including:
Seasonal live music
A water splash park for the kids
Laundry
Camp kitchen
BBQ’s
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Lower Portals
Nestled in Mount Barney National Park, Lower Portals is a breathtaking natural swimming hole just two hours south of Brisbane. This popular swimming spot can be accessed via the Lower Portals track, a scenic 7.4-kilometre hike that takes you through grassy slopes covered in eucalypts and brush trees before rising to subtropical rainforest and wet mallee forests.
In addition to swimming, the Lower Portals track offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great option for those looking to explore the area. There are also several lookout points and photo opportunities, making it a great spot for photographers and nature lovers. The hike itself is moderate in difficulty, so it's suitable for families with children and those with moderate fitness levels. There are no facilities at Lower Portals, so it's important to come prepared with plenty of water and snacks. Picnic tables and BBQ facilities can be found at the nearby Yellow Pinch car park, which is a short drive from the Lower Portals car park.
For those looking to find a place to park for the night, Bigriggen Caravan Park is just up the road from the Lower Portals car park and offers both powered and unpowered sites that back onto a beautiful river. This campsite is the ideal spot to sit back, relax and unwind with a campfire and some gorgeous scenery or by casting a line in the adjoining river and trying your luck to catch some dinner. The facilities on-site include:
Swim in the natural local river
Open fire pits
Toilets
Showers
See more of Queensland with one of our itineraries
There are seemingly endless routes available to explore the best swimming holes and attractions that Queensland has to offer. Need a little inspiration for your upcoming road trip? Here are a few itineraries that might help you decide what to see and do on your upcoming QLD campervan adventure:
For more tips on what to see and do, as well as other itineraries in QLD, check out the complete guide to exploring Queensland in a campervan.
Dip your toes into these Queensland swimming holes with Mighty
Ready to dip your toes into these Queensland swimming holes with Mighty? Hire a campervan with Mighty today online or at your local branch, and get ready to see more of these stunning parts of Queensland. For more tips on things to do in Queensland as well as the best free camping spots in Queensland, and more, check out the Mighty blog.
